Current sensors protect renewable power conversion

20th June 2016

Nat Bowers

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HARTING has for the first time released information about the uptake of its current sensors by the renewable energy industry. HARTING current sensors are presently ensuring the continuous and reliable operation of wind turbines for major wind farm installations around the world. One of the world’s major wind turbine manufacturers is using 1,000A rated HARTING HCS 1000 Hall-effect sensors to monitor the input & output power feeds of the main power inverter.

The current sensors are directly linked to the main wind turbine control cabinet. The galvanically isolated, induced secondary measuring currents produced are proportionate to a primary system operating current. If they fall outside an allowed working range, e.g., sensing an over-current condition, the sensors can provide system shut-down protection to prevent operational failure.

Similar system failure prevention and condition monitoring of electrical power conversion can be also applied to the other renewable energy applications of wave, tidal and solar power.

HARTING’s current sensors can be used with primary currents in the range of 100 to 3,600A, measured with a high degree of accuracy and are available in both open and closed loop styles.

Howard Forryan, Product Market Specialist, HARTING, commented: “HARTING current sensors offer some key technical performance benefits over our competitors in the market, for example, high immunity to interference, an extended operating temperature range and a more stable housing construction for harsh environment applications. In addition, HARTING provides increased levels of customer service and support by offering customised solutions for low volume demands. Such customised solutions include optional I/O connectors and full EMC screened cable assemblies, depending on project requirements.”

HARTING also offers its in-house, independently accredited test laboratory services, guaranteeing that products match the performance of an application’s key operating conditions before full deployment.